Unfortunately, those who are brave enough to write a blank check for their lives, are too often afflicted by other veteran commonalities, Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Substance Abuse, and Suicide. Many of our veterans suffer from one or multiple of these burdens, and if not identified or left untreated, can lead to situations that there is no return. My father passed a little over a year ago in a VA hospital at the age of 57. He and my mom met in the Marine Corp, he was so proud of our Country and his service. Ultimately he chose a path that took his life, my father was a struggling alcoholic, a terrible disease that I watched consume him. As a little girl I thought I was doing the right thing but I realize I was enabling by not having hard conversations. Bottom line, I wasn’t brave enough. Upon his death I learned the true meaning of vulnerability and the power of our voice. By sharing his story, what we went through as a family, I realized my story of heartbreak was actually hope for another.

I decided to host an event in his honor, to help Veteran’s, those like him who are struggling. On November 5th we will be hosting the inaugural Resilience Ruck, a 2 part 1 day event. It’s a 12k Ruck signifying the 12 steps of recovery, leading into an early evening celebration. Upon completion of the Ruck, we will have food trucks, a live band, giveaways and small ceremony. To complete the evening we have a birthday cake and actually sing Happy Birthday to those who are no longer with us, like dad, and celebrate those who are with us because they chose the road to recovery. You see my dads birthday would be November 3rd and our event will be the week before Veterans Day. There is a virtual component to our event, so we are hoping to connect people all across the United States. Additionally; all funds raised go to one of the top Veteran Organizations in Kentucky, Veterans Club Inc. I’m their first official ambassador as Mrs. Kentucky, they are doing incredible work on a daily basis and I’d love to help see to it that their work continues with the funds raised from our event.